Cambridge-based Aromi is to bring a slice of Sicily to St Michael’s Street.
The cafe will be giving away 1,000 free slices of pizza as part of the opening to those who sign up for its newsletter.
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Jobs have been advertised suggesting Aromi will open in the spring, and a new sign at the unit next to the Three Goats Heads pub says it is opening “early 2026”.
Pizza at Aromi (Image: Aromi)
Roles include a cafe manager for up to £35,000 a year, an assistant manager on up to £30,000, a barista, pizza chef and a host of other roles.
A spokesman for Aromi said earlier: “We’ve been pretty quiet about this since teasing it as there’s been a lot happening behind the scenes, but we’re thrilled to officially announce that we’re opening in Oxford.
“Work is under way to transform this beautiful shop that was once a pharmacy into an Aromi pizzeria and we can’t wait to take you on the journey with us and make Oxford our second home.”
Food at Aromi (Image: Aromi)
Aromi was opened in 2013 by four family members and it has three outlets in Cambridge.
It has a bakery, gelateria and pizzeria, serving sourdough pizza, golden focaccia, arancini, fresh cannoli and Sicilian coffee.
Aromi said in a statement that staff aim to share the real taste of Sicily – “mixing authentic family recipes and time-honoured techniques, with fresh energy, bold flavours and exciting new ideas”.
It added: “Today, with three buzzing locations across central Cambridge, Aromi is more than just a place to eat – it’s a way of life. Built on passion, tradition, and a love of good food, we invite you to pull up a chair and experience Sicily, the Aromi way – every bite tells the story.”
Aromi is not the only business in Oxford to bring the taste of southern Italy.
Il Corno opened as a family-owned Neapolitan-themed food and drinks cafe in the Covered Market in 2023.
It specialises in one of the most iconic dishes of Neapolitan street-food: panuozzi, a long, flat sandwich made from pizza dough that can be enriched with different fillings, from mozzarella to broccoli, or sausages.
Il Corno also offers its guests other unique products from Neapolitan traditional food and drinks culture, including taralli, babà al rum, limoncello, and a variety of Campania wines.
According to the Oxford branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the Three Goats Heads pub, run by Sam Smith’s pub company, opened in 1987 having been converted from a pizza restaurant.
It is thought to have previously been a corn merchants.
Dining and Cooking